Corinthians' Elias celebrates his goal in the 2-0 win over fellow Brazilians Sao Paulo in the Copa Libertadores.

After five frenetic weeks of group phase action, the Copa Libertadores now takes a break. There are a couple games on April 1, but normal service is only resumed the following week. In three of the groups, the teams have played three of their six group games. In the other five groups, they have played four.

We are more than halfway through the phase. It is an appropriate moment, then, to reflect on what has happened so far.

Fans of the Brazilian domestic game have had little to celebrate given the clubs' poor management over the years.

RIO DE JANEIRO -- Brazil's government wants to let football clubs renegotiate $1.2 billion in debts but in the process force them to start spending more wisely.

The measure signed by President Dilma Rousseff on Thursday gives Brazilian clubs up to 20 years to pay what they owe to the federal government. In exchange, they must manage their finances more professionally.

Congress still has to approve the measure.

In order to take advantage of the government's favorable conditions, clubs have to commit...